Monday, August 11, 2014

Author Interview: Jessica Stritch, author of The Man of a Thousand Faces

Today Jessica Stritch, author of TheMan of a Thousand Faces, is stopping by to answer some lightning round questions in a mini interview! TheMan of a Thousand Faces releases August 20th so mark your calendars!

“Nineteen year old Achill has never left his training camp on Mars. With the revelation that his mother was exiled from the strict system after he was born he feels even more pressure to prove his loyalty and status as a fearless warrior who doesn't think before he kills. That is until he, who has never been taught of love or freedom, is sent on a secret mission for which he must travel through the other seven planets and fight for survival.

As his journey unfolds he will discover unknown truths, potential love and face the strangeness of the lives and culture of those raised so differently to him. He may even uncover the timeless mystery of the man of a thousand faces.

As tensions rise and the stakes are higher than ever Achill must decide who he is actually fighting for as he tries to understand both conflicts between the planets and also within himself.”

Favorite book?

In the YA genre my favorite book has to be Jellicoe Road, I’ve read it a ridiculous amount of times now and have it as an audio book and its power never fades. The writing is raw and true, the characters broken and beautiful and the story woven together heartbreakingly. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to fully shake this book, it stays with you and every time I revisit it I’m rendered a wreck.

An author who inspired you?

Following on from that I’d have to say Melina Marchetta I think she is an inspiration as a YA writer because no subject is off limits no matter how small or grand. But her real power lies in her characters and the way she can make you fall in love with every last one of them even if you couldn't abide them at the start of the book. Their blended histories and discovery of their importance to each other are always so powerful that the characters live on in your head long after the last page.

Favorite snack to eat while reading/writing?

Ohhhhhh...Chocolate or toast J

Physical books or eBooks?

Tricky. I am old school at heart and I like to hold a real book, to feel the pages, to note it etc but you can carry so many ebooks on one device, I’m going travelling soon and if I were to take as many physical books as I am taking ebooks then my backpack would literally just be books. Not so practical I’m told.

Favorite quote?

This is a great question-I’m such a quotes person I've got my favorite ones stuck up all over my wall. If I had to pick one it would probably be:

“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.”

1 comment:

Many people like that Melina Marchette author. I'm very curious since I have yet to read a book by her. I'd start with Finnikin of The Rock I think. Love chocolate though I prefer eating chips while reading, especially with hardcopy books (because chocolate is dangerous for the beautiful pages.) Anyway, lovely interview!x